On Writing, Peanuts, and Belgian Waffles

I love to write but I never really wanted to be a writer. Not that I consider myself to be one. As a matter of fact, I didn't like my English classes back in high school and college. I have even failed English (literature) once. My lack of interest in the English Language and Literature, however, unexpectedly warranted me to end up writing stuff for a living.

Well, that's what I did a long time ago and I tried to do the same thing recently. I was under the impression that I can make writing pay the bills again. Before I glued my butt to the swivel chair to write a 1000-word essay, I was so pumped up by the mere fact that I really do love writing. I can write more than a thousand word blog post in an hour or so.

This should be easy.

But everything changed the moment I started staring at the blank screen. It came to me like a flash of lightning that writing isn't fun at all. Writing is frustratingly bleak that I agonized more or less three hours to finish a draft. My thoughts were all over the place. I've had grammar lapses. And half of the time I was greatly intimidated by the text cursor that intensified my lack of creativity with every blink. To make matters worse, I needed to make two essays. And I've got a deadline to beat.

It seemed like Gandalf was with me all along screaming with fervor, "You shall not pass!" to any idea that tried to get inside my mind. And those three wasted hours were not even worth the scanty amount I get from it.

It got me thinking that I should have just worked for McDonald's instead for I only reap the same benefits. The only difference is, I wouldn't have to suffer mental exhaustion and I get free lunch from it. Don't get me wrong, I'm not belittling jobs at McDonald's. It's just that I want to make a point why they take writing tasks so lightly that they pay peanuts for it and still expect you to deliver high quality writing. I mean, it's not something anybody can do. Clients should understand the time, effort, and skills, not to mention the creative thinking techniques needed to put the words harmoniously together. Writing is never easy no matter how passionate you are with the craft. It never really was and it never will be.

Well, I guess I'd have to set writing jobs aside. That kind of job's not really for me. But anyway, six hours and an exhausted brain later, I am sitting here writing this blog and enjoying my Peach-mango Belgian Waffle bought from my very brief writing stint. Still thankful albeit wishing I ordered the blueberry-cream cheese instead.